The 100-year-old wooden house in Trung Luong commune, Binh Luc district, Ha Nam province, where the renowned poet Nguyen Khuyen spent his final years, is not just a place of retreat but also a repository of deep philosophical messages.

Ancestral wisdom hidden in architecture

The century-old wooden house in Trung Luong commune, where Nguyen Khuyen spent his life after resigning from court, is now a national cultural heritage site, recognized since 1991. The house is currently maintained by Nguyen Thanh Tung (born 1941), a fifth-generation descendant of the poet.

Tung shares that the house is not merely a residence but a reflection of Nguyen Khuyen’s philosophical thoughts and moral teachings for future generations.

One of the most notable features is the narrow entrance gate, inscribed with three Chinese characters "Môn Tử Môn" (Gate of the Disciple).

"My ancestor designed the gate to be narrow as a lesson for his students," Tung explained. "It teaches that before pursuing academic knowledge, one must first learn to be humble and respectful. No matter one’s status or position, everyone had to dismount and walk respectfully when entering."

The gate itself protrudes outward in a V shape, signifying that the land is specifically designated for the eldest son, reflecting the Confucian tradition of primogeniture.

An enduring legacy of knowledge and virtue

Stepping through the ancient gate, visitors find a spacious courtyard shaded by three ancient longan trees. These trees, known as "royal tribute longans", were planted more than 100 years ago from seeds brought back from a banquet celebrating Emperor Tu Duc’s longevity.

"The three longan trees symbolize Nguyen Khuyen’s achievement of topping three national exams, reminding descendants of his scholarly dedication and success," Tung said.

The main house, following traditional Northern Vietnamese architecture, originally had seven compartments arranged in a straight line, rather than the usual five compartments with two side wings. This unique design reflects Nguyen Khuyen’s philosophy:

"The straight-line structure signifies his belief that righteousness has no deviation. It embodies the principle that what is right is always right, without compromise or contradiction," Tung explained.

A place to preserve the spirit of scholarship

Behind the main hall lies the back sanctuary, a sacred space dedicated to family worship. In the center of this rear hall, a horizontal wooden board bears the inscription "Ngũ lộ lưu căn" (Five paths, one root), conveying a message of staying true to one’s origins despite changing times.

The back sanctuary, made of lim wood, has preserved its original architecture and artifacts, including royal gifts from Emperor Tu Duc and calligraphic inscriptions written by Nguyen Khuyen himself.

Among the prized possessions is a set of scrolls and royal couplets presented by Emperor Tu Duc after Nguyen Khuyen topped the three imperial examinations. Another unique relic is a coconut tree trunk bearing a carved inscription, a gift from the Governor of Ninh Thai (modern Thai Binh).

One particularly cherished artifact is an incense burner granted by King Mac Dang Dung to the poet’s ancestor, a high-ranking official during the Mac Dynasty. The burner bears the inscription "Cung đình vạn tuế" (Eternal palace), symbolizing loyalty and honor.

A beacon of inspiration for future generations

The ancestral house of Nguyen Khuyen is not just a cultural relic but a place that nurtures the spirit of scholarship. During the exam season, countless students visit to pay respects and seek inspiration from the scholarly legacy of the Tam Nguyen Yen Do (Nguyen Khuyen’s honorary title).

Tung proudly stated, "This house stands as a reminder of my ancestor’s values - integrity, humility, and devotion to knowledge. It continues to inspire young scholars to pursue learning and strive for success."

Nguyen Khuyen (1835–1909) was a renowned Vietnamese poet and scholar of the late Nguyen Dynasty. Known as the "Tam Nguyen Yen Do" (Three-Time First Laureate from Yen Do), he excelled in imperial examinations and served as a mandarin.

His poetry, mostly written in Nom and Classical Chinese, reflects deep patriotism, love for rural life, and a profound sense of social criticism. Famous for his trio of poems about autumn — "Thu Dien" (Autumn Fishing), "Thu Am" (Autumn Drinking), and "Thu Vinh" (Autumn Singing) — he is celebrated for capturing the essence of Vietnamese village life with vivid imagery and sincere emotion.

Trong Tung